[IMG:L]There is a reason they call life in France ‘la vie en rose.’ Surrounded by glitz, glamour, and surreal beauty, the enchanting city of Cannes plays the perfect host for film enthusiasts and artists worldwide. The scattered palm trees, radiant weather, hypnotic Mediterranean breeze and captivating views of the Cote D’Azur are nothing short of magic. This is Hollywood set in the tropical, romantic French Riviera bestowing a temporary taste of the rich and famous life for reporter–and visitors–blessed with the opportunity to experience it all. Life simply can’t get better than this.
Endless action is available for those who desire to take full advantage of the adrenaline rush Cannes has to offer. By day, festival attendees take their places in the roped-off long cues to see screenings some of the world’s most anticipated films. However, with the overflowing number of attendees, the fate of viewing a flick highly relies on the size of the theatre and the color of your prestigious press badge. Like most industries, journalists, too, are faced with bureaucratic red tape and hierarchical levels of priority within the film industry.
While film festival participants hustle for screenings, interviews and press conferences, the bikini-clad locals hit the beaches, cruise the Croisette and attempt to steal a glimpses of movie stars on the red carpet. With an abundance of designer boutiques within walking distance, it’s easy to be consumed in a shopping spree, or lounge at one of the many cafes and patisseries on the strip. Whether lunching at a private seafront beach club, hustling to sell film rights, screening an indie or congregating by the red carpet for celeb arrivals, the opportunities and choices for industry folk are endless during the two-week span at the Cannes Film Festival.
The American Pavillion further added more dizzying choices: do you check e-mail or socialize, sit in on a panel or meet with a ‘big wig’, refuel with an espresso or stare out on the ocean–all the while looking out for the American celebs gracing the tented structure with their luminous presence. The lively “In Coversation” series hosted at the Pavillion featured the likes of cinema luminaries such as Wong Kar Wai and Tom Kalin.
Lurking in the streets of Cannes, you can’t help but take note of the beautiful people adorning the sidewalks and events. Even the police officers, security guards and sanitation workers are as gorgeous. The exquisite designer cars that decorate the sidewalks along with the hundreds of magnificent docked yachts are an affirmation of the kind of bourgeoisie money that floats around in this very expensive and quaint city.
This surreal and temporary utopia is a challenging reality check–and rude awakening to those of us who are here predominantly to work (and play if time permits). Although motivation, exhilaration, and anticipation are at its peak, there aren’t enough hours in the day to spread yourself around to every event, regardless of how fast and bright the candle burns at both ends. This is truly a non-stop, overwhelming whirlwind in which one can easily get lost in unless prioritizing or putting work into perspective.
[IMG:R]When in Cannes, things move at such a fast pace that the day turns into night with the blink of an eye. As the sun sets into the magnificent aqua blue sea, we film geeks come out to play. Red carpet premiere arrivals and after parties are all the hype. Every private beach club hosts their own soiree, and the big studios throw a larger than life extravaganza to promote their highly anticipated films.
Some of the this year’s highlights include: Norah Jones, crossing over from music to make her acting debut in My Blueberry Nights, the frenzied arrival of the stunning cast of Ocean’s Thirteen–and Angelina Jolie representin’ for her bf’s production of A Mighty Heart. Other anticipations include Tarantino’s release of Death Proof, Jessica Simpson’s launch of Major Movie Star, and an episode of the hilarious cast of Entourage conveniently filming an episode in the charming city of Cannes.
By night, Cannes is even more magical and intoxicating than fathomable! There’s a lot to do, many stars to see and numerous parties to attend. Every beachfront club and hotel lounge hosts its own party. The toughest challenge is finding a way to join the VIP celebrations–and balancing the time to finish assignments and meet deadlines.
It is so easy to lose yourself in the rockin’ nightlife, and get caught up in the allure and magnetism of the star-beckoning festivities, publicity soirees and marketing events intended to build mega-hype for new film launches and maximum exposure premiered films. Whether it be on a yacht or a neighboring mansion, studios are only limited by their own imaginations when it comes to hosting and seducing guests at their celeb-studded events.
The Cannes Film Festival experience tops all others. It’s the crème de la crème of all film festivals. As long as one finds the ‘IN’ contacts, swindling your way into the superb parties in beautiful locales is not the impossible dream. The important fact to remember is pulling the plug in time to salvage endurance and recharge your battery for next day. Otherwise, there can be no limitations when partying like a mega rock star in Cannes.
